I. rə̇ˈvälv, rēˈ-, -ˈvȯlv also -ˈvä(u̇)v or -ˈvȯv verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English revolven, from Latin revolvere to roll back, from re- + volvere to roll — more at voluble
transitive verb
1. obsolete : to turn (the eyes or sight) back or around
2. : to consider or meditate upon at length or repeatedly considering various aspects and phases (as in seeking a solution or reaching a decision)
revolving a scheme to get a pension for his brother
revolved the story in his mind as he waited
3. obsolete : to turn or bring back : restore
4. archaic : to skim or search through (as a book) : turn the pages of ; also : to read through : study
5. obsolete : to wrap up : bind
6.
a. : to cause to go around in an orbit
b. : to cause to turn around on or as if on an axis : rotate
intransitive verb
1.
a. obsolete : return
b. : to come around again : recur
2.
a. : to meditate on something : consider deliberately : ponder
with thoughts revolving upon his holiday plans
b. : to be a source or cause of meditation
the idea continued to revolve in his mind
3.
a. : to move in a curved path around a center or axis
the planets revolve around the sun
— compare revolution 1e(1)
b. : to turn or roll around on or as if on an axis like a wheel : rotate — compare revolution 1e(2)
4. : to come to a center or focal point : pivot
the whole household revolves about the baby
Synonyms: see consider , turn
II. noun
( -s )
: an act or instance of revolving : revolution